The more time I spend on the race the more I have encountered God. Not only this, but I have reconstructed my relationship with Him to that of when I was a child. I believe when I started this race I needed something more. I needed to stop focusing on knowledge and facts about God and place my focus on God’s living Word and our personal relationship, which separates us from any other religion. When I started this race I was full of knowledge but had lost sight of what was most important in a relationship. Knowledge of God is great to have but not a necessity. The key to Christianity as we all know is this personal relationship with our creator. God is continually pointing out to me that the knowledge I have, has very little to nothing to do with our relationship. Now the knowledge I’m discussing is the knowledge of facts. The idea that a theologian could have all the facts and reasons for God but still not believe or have this personal relationship. I’m not saying we shouldn’t have knowledge I’m just saying it should come secondary to our personal relationship with God. 1 Corinthians 8:1 says “…Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up. The man who thinks he knows something does not yet know as he ought to know. But the man who loves God is known by God.” God is continually teaching me about knowledge and the role it has but also about His true greatness and that no matter how much knowledge I have it will never be enough to fathom God and his splendor. Isaiah 55: 8-9 “For my ways are not your ways, declares the Lord. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” God has called me on this race to grow in wisdom, but most importantly to strengthen my relationship. The humble truth is that there will always be aspects of God that are unknown to me but thankfully the Holy Spirit can use what I know as well as give me a greater understanding. 1 Corinthians 2:12 “We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us.” In my weakness of lack of knowledge the Holy Spirit can reveal understanding to me. Many times all I need in order to gain this wisdom is ask (James 1:5).
Currently I’m residing in northern Malaysia! Yes, we made it safely and without any difficulties, praise Jesus. This month we will be teaching English in a predominately Islamic area. The town sounds the ritual prayer over speakers five times a day, which gives the most eerie feeling (“There is only one god allah and Muhammad is his messenger”). Our ministry this month is to be the salt and light according to Mathew 5:16 since Malaysia is a closed country. It looks like I will have lots of free time to spend with the Lord and to grow in Christ. I have learned so much so far on this race and expect to only increase my knowledge and growth this month especially since it’s my first time being in a mostly Muslim country.
Prayer Requests:
- Pray that this month will be a time completely committed for God to do what He wills in my life
- Pray for the safety of our squad in a closed country and that He will strengthen our bondage with Him
- Continue to pray for the heart of the people here as well as the Lords continual work in the previous countries.
- Praise God for His vastness and glory!
The pictures are leftovers from Cambodia. I’ll update more photos from Malaysia here soon.
Delicious Chicken!
One of the few Christian families we held Bible studies with…
Omkee, a dear friend who had Bible study with.
Lunch with our hosts before showing “The Hope” video in Khmer language
